I honestly don’t know how to begin this post. I actually had to change the post title a few times, because I wasn’t even sure about what I want to write about.
To tell you the truth, when October started, I thought I’d be able to update this blog more often… even if it was just to share how we’re trying to live liturgically despite our failures and imperfections.
“T” is for “Therese” — our simple “cake” to celebrate Saint Therese’s feast day!
I thought I would finally be able to write about the different events I was able to attend recently, like the , and the first Blissmakerie for this year (which I was finally able to write about for Philstar.com after almost a month — eek!)…
With my fellow Blissmakers at the September 2015 Blissmakerie (Photo grabbed from Rhiza Oyos on Instagram)
I even thought that I could (maybe!) write about all the blessings (i.e. gifts!) I’ve received lately… like the healthy and yummy juices from Juice Hut Manila, or the other goodies from Urban Essentials, TAN Homeschool, Franciscan Media {c/o my AWESOME CatholicMom.com editor Lisa Hendey!}, Mighty Baby PH, and so on!
Thank You, Lord, for all these blessings and so much more!
But, as usual, life happened. It still does… every single day.
Most days pass by in a blur actually. And when people ask me how I’m doing, especially since I am now around 6 and a half months pregnant (and HUGE for Baby’s age, me thinks!), I usually answer:
“I am/we are OK, by God’s grace. Taking things one day at a time.”
Because that’s really how it has been lately. I’ve been just getting by each day… knowing that I can do only so much (or so little, haha! Thank God I have such a helpful and supportive husband, plus parents and siblings who are always willing to take care of the kids when needed!).
I post about my reality sometimes on and Facebook (I’ve recently changed , by the way!). I use the hashtag #keepingitreal, because I want other people to know that I’m not “perfect,” nor is my life perfect.
I don’t have the perfect marriage, nor perfect kids. I’m certainly not “Supermom” (remember there’s only ONE “Supermom” in my book!).
Our humble home is far from perfect — it’s often messy, and is in dire need of decluttering and deep cleaning! And our homeschooling days? Certainly not Pinterest-worthy, or even social media post-worthy most days!
So, am I complaining?
Nope. Or at least I’m trying not to.
Because I know that the state of “being” I am in right now is a blessing. Whether I am aware of it or not on most days, it’s part of God’s plan for my life.
Being pregnant right now is a blessing… even if, initially, I had different reactions and feelings about it — but that’s for another blog post! The ability to bear the gift of life in my womb, and to nurture that life, is a blessing.
We’re having a boy, by the way! :)
Being a work-at-home mom right now is a blessing… even if there are moments when I just want to tear out my hair in frustration over toddler-caused interruptions and cry over missed deadlines and never-ending-to-do-lists! (I’ve actually done the latter quite a few times!) The ability to do meaningful work that also helps provide for our family’s needs is a blessing.
Mustard Magazine is on the list of finalists for Best Children’s Magazine at this year’s Catholic Mass Media Awards! Yay! 🙂 #proudeditorinchief
Being a homeschooling mom right now is a blessing… even if most of our homeschooling “lessons” these days are just focused on the “4 R’s for Early Learners” of Susan Lemons — relationships, routine, readiness, reading aloud — even if 2 out of 4 kids (yes, we count the one in utero already!) are no longer considered “early learners” or preschoolers! You could also say that we try to be consistent with daily “lessons” for these 4 R’s: Religion or Christian Living Education; Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic (Math). The ability to to teach our kids at home and everywhere else we may be, and to learn new things with them, is a blessing.
Teaching math, reading, and life skills using Bug-opoly! :)
So what is the point of this #keepingitreal post, dear friend? 🙂
Well, it’s simply this:
The truth about being a pregnant, work-at-home, homeschooling mom (with no hired helper!) right now is this… it’s tiring. It’s overwhelming. It’s frustrating. It’s maddening. But it’s also soul-refining… heartwarming… refreshing… inspiring.
Only by His grace.
So lean in, friend… I know you and I are in totally different situations right now, and the “season” of life I am in now isn’t the same as yours. Whatever it may be, lean into the season you’re in now. Embrace it. Lean on Him; seek His grace. He’ll see you (and me!) through.
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Honestly, I don’t know when I’ll be able to come back here again to write a post, but I do hope you’ll stick around — God’s been pushing me to do something different with this space, and I would love for you to be “here” when it becomes a reality! 🙂
In the meantime, if you want to see more of my writing elsewhere, be sure to check out Smart Parenting and Philstar.com, to which I contribute regularly! Thanks for being “loyal” all this time — hope to “see” you again soon!
P.S.
If you want to catch me in person, I’ll be speaking at the “Ready For The World: Philippine Homeschool Conference 2015” this Saturday, October 17. My talk is primarily for those who are exploring homeschooling or are just starting out. 🙂 If you’re already homeschooling though, be sure to catch the other talks! Hope to see you there!
I’m actually feeling the same Ms. Tina! We have been looking for a yaya for months already and we still haven’t found one. I have a 21 month old son and husband to take care of, a household to run, and a freelance career on the side so it’s really a challenge for me to keep my sanity. I even felt like I’m already behind my friends and colleagues because my family life gets almost all of my time and it’s hard for me to pursue my personal plans yet. But thanks to your post, I was reminded of the seasons of life, that things happen at the right time or in their season. I just have to prioritize things and for now my family is my and should be my priority. There’s a time or season for everything and patience is the key.
Hi Dulce! 🙂 Just “Tina,” please — no need for the “Ms.”! 🙂 Yes, we have different seasons of life, and God knows we are doing our best! God bless you and your family!
This is an uplifting post, Tina. I know we are doing the best we can for our children and this includes leaning in on Jesus. Sometimes I wonder if this mothering thing is really for me (as if I can back out!), and God showed me through His Word, as I have written in my latest post. Hugs to you!
This is an uplifting post, Tina. I know we are doing the best we can for our children and this includes leaning in on Jesus. Sometimes I wonder if this mothering thing is really for me (as if I can back out!), and God showed me through His Word, as I have written in my latest post. Congrats on the 4th blessing! Hugs to you!
“Sometimes I wonder if this mothering thing is really for me” — I can SO relate, dear! Hehe! Praise God for His Word and His grace! Thanks for the prayers and well wishes. Hugs to you too! God bless always. 🙂
You are such an inspiration, Tina! Go go go! And know we are here to support you no matter where life takes you! <3 We are sisters in bliss!
Naku, I am FAR from being inspiring, Toni! But it is all by God’s grace! Thank you for your support and prayers! <3 And yes, we are sisters in bliss! So I am here for all of you too! Hugs!